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UC Professors Call for Reinstatement of SAT Scores Amid Concerns Over Student Preparedness
University of California's woke decision to ignore STEM applicants' SAT scores to boost 'equity' backfires with oh-so-predictable consequences, as professors beg for help
Mail Online
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Professors at the University of California, Berkeley, have raised alarms over declining student proficiency in mathematics, urging the reinstatement of SAT and ACT scores for admissions. Over 600 faculty members signed an open letter citing severe preparation gaps among students, particularly in STEM fields, as a consequence of eliminating standardized testing.
- 01More than 600 UC professors signed a letter advocating for the reinstatement of SAT and ACT requirements for admissions starting in fall 2027.
- 02Professors reported that 20% of first-semester calculus students at UC Berkeley lacked proficiency, necessitating reteaching of middle-school mathematics.
- 03The decision to eliminate standardized tests was made in 2020 following a lawsuit claiming these tests discriminated against lower-income students.
- 04Professors argue that standardized tests are essential for measuring preparedness and ensuring equity, contrary to previous claims that they hinder diversity.
- 05UC officials acknowledged concerns about student preparedness and are exploring policy changes in collaboration with K-12 education leaders.
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The University of California's decision to eliminate standardized testing has faced backlash as professors highlight significant declines in student proficiency, particularly in mathematics. An open letter from over 600 faculty members, including mathematics and law professors from UC Berkeley, calls for the reinstatement of SAT and ACT scores for the fall 2027 admissions cycle. They argue that the absence of standardized tests has led to severe preparation gaps, with some instructors needing to reteach fundamental mathematics concepts. Professors noted that at least 20% of first-semester calculus students demonstrated a lack of proficiency. The elimination of standardized tests was initially supported by the Board of Regents in 2020, following a lawsuit alleging discrimination against lower-income applicants. Advocates for the change cited increased diversity in admissions, but professors contend that this has come at the cost of student preparedness. UC officials have acknowledged these concerns and are working on policy proposals to address the issue, emphasizing that the challenges in mathematics proficiency are linked to the pandemic's impact on education.
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The decline in student preparedness could affect the academic success of future UC students, particularly in STEM fields.
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